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With car prices higher than ever we compare a new Hyundai Santa Fe against a used Hyundai Santa Fe to find which is a better value today.
New or Used?
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The 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe has more trims, more powertrains, and more options than any before it. At the same time, one of those trims, the Limited Plug-In Hybrid starts at a whopping $46,755 before options. With that in mind, we thought it would be interesting to compare the new SUV against a used Hyundai Santa Fe to find which is the better value right now.
While there are many to choose from, we think we’ll take aim at the 2018 model year for two reasons. First, it’s the previous generation so we should get a slight price break just based on that. Second, as the final year of that previous generation, it should be the best of the bunch with the most technology possible. So, new vs used. Let’s find out which Santa Fe is king.
Specs
Being part of the same family, these SUVs share a lot of similarities. They come with front-wheel drive as standard but offer AWD optionally. They’re packed with technology and they both make anywhere from around 185-horsepower to about 285 depending on trim level. That’s where the similarities start to diverge though.
The new Santa Fe comes in five to ten trims depending on how you count them. For example, despite having the same features, Hyundai will break up a trim into two by swapping out a gas engine for a hybrid one. With that said, the lineup range spans from about $27,000 at the bottom to the aforementioned $46,755 at the top in terms of pricing. With such a wide swath of powertrain options including two different gas-only engines, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid, fuel mileage is all over the map with a minimum EPA estimated efficiency of 21 mpg in the city and 28 on the highway. The hybrid gets 36 in the city and 31 on the highway and the PHEV gets 76 MPGe.
The used Hyundai Santa Fe from 2018 was available in two different wheelbase lengths, Sport, and regular. The former was shorter and featured two different four-cylinder engines while the latter used a single V6 power plant. Depending on mileage and features, it’s easy to find an example from this year for less than $20,000. Still, we’re going to focus on low-mileage units in this comparison since higher mileage will often mean more issues. The EPA estimated the 2018 Santa Fe V6 to get just 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway when equipped with AWD. That’s pretty disappointing but those who need better fuel economy can look to either of two four-cylinder options. The most economical gets 21 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway.
Driving & Performance
The 2018 Santa Fe drives as one might expect a mid-size SUV to. It’s a bit ponderous and slow to change direction but it’s comfortable and relaxed in its movements. Steering and pedal feedback is fine but not particularly notable. Even with the V6 under the hood, it’s not exactly quick to do anything. The six-speed automatic transmission takes a moment to swap cogs when called upon but we think overall it’s a fine driving experience. It’s sort of like a beach cruiser. It doesn’t aspire to athleticism and we won’t fault it for that. The smaller Santa Fe Sport is a bit more nimble but lacks the gusto of the V6.
The New 2022 Santa Fe is surprisingly sharp. Every single powertrain feels spritely and eager to please. The handling feels far more modern and controlled. Surely, that has something to do with the fact that the used Hyundai Santa Fe we’re testing here has a chassis that was developed in 2012. We also love how well integrated the hybrid braking system is. Oftentimes, blending hybrid braking and friction braking can be an odd mix but here it’s un-noticeable. The only motor we’d skip is the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder as it is just a touch less refined and engaging to drive from day to day.
Comfort and Interior
For the vast majority of folks, the 2018 Santa Fe will be a comfortable and spacious place to spend time. The front seats offer good support and cushioning without being overly firm or spongy. The cabin is a bit of a mixed bag though. Go for either Ultimate trim and you’ll be greeted with nice upholstery and a bevy of buttons and options to use in the cabin. Regardless of trim, most of the materials used throughout the cabin feel a bit cheap and underwhelming when compared to the modern version.
Nevertheless, it’s cool to see heated and cooled front seats along with heated rear seats for just $30,000 on the used-car market. Of all the vehicles here, only the 2018 Santa Fe offers a third row. The 2018 Santa Fe Sport doesn’t and neither does the 2022 Santa Fe. For those that need it, hear this, it’s not very spacious in that third row. Seating in every Santa Fe felt good in the front and second-row but the third offered in the 2018 should be reserved for children. At the same time, if you can avoid needing that third row, the additional cargo space is awesome.
The 2022 Santa Fe feels premium in almost every trim level. Again, each one is comfortable and spacious. The SE, SEL, and XRT are three trims we’d avoid if possible as each one above them feels fantastic. The Limited and above all feel like they could be low-end luxury cars if we’re honest. The upscale cabin features modern materials, a low dash that provides excellent visibility, and a nice upright infotainment system. A large 13-inch infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster are available too. We like the modernized layout of the cabin and the materials feel more expensive than in the previous generation. Of course, all of these features come at a pretty hefty premium ($40,000+) over our used challenger.
Trims & Features
The 2018 Santa Fe can be found in three different trims. The base is the SE which gets LED DRLs, 18-inch wheels, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a 7-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Above that is the 2018 Santa Fe SE Ultimate with 19-inch wheels, an 8-inch infotainment system, 12 speakers, LED fog lights, and a hands-free liftgate. At the top of the range is the Limited Ultimate with its LED tail lights, second-row captain’s chairs, and silver trim.
Of course, the short-wheelbase version, the Santa Fe Sport has its own set of three trims. The base trim gets 17-inch wheels, a 5-inch display screen, six speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a CD player. The 2.0T trim adds the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine as well as 18-inch wheels, dual exhaust tips, and leather upholstery. At the top of the range is the 2.0T Ultimate with its 19-inch wheels, xenon headlights, and LED taillights.
The 2022 Santa Fe comes in more trims than you can shake a stick at so we’ll try to keep this brief:
The SE starts out with 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, an 8-inch infotainment system and Android and Apple connectivity, and stain-resistant cloth upholstery. Above that is the SEL which gets heated front seats, keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, and a wireless charging pad.
The rugged XRT is next and offers roof rack cross rails, XRT specific wheels and trim as well as body-colored door handles. The Blue Hybrid offers a 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain with the same interior features as the XRT. While the SEL Premium Hybrid trim is an SEL with a hybrid powertrain and a 10.25-inch infotainment system as well as leather upholstery.
The first trim with the 2.5-liter turbocharged motor is the Limited which also gets a surround-view camera system, heated rear seats, heated and ventilated front seats, and 19-inch wheels.
The SEL Convenience PHEV is basically the Blue Hybrid with a plug-in powertrain that offers 30 miles of all-electric range. The Limited Hybrid trim is the Limited trim and adds the normal hybrid powertrain.
Consider the Calligraphy as the top gas-only trim with its 20-inch wheels, Nappa leather upholstery, and heads-up display. Combining those features with the plug-in hybrid powertrain and you’ll get the Limited PHEV trim.
The Verdict
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The new 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe is a great vehicle and if you have the money for the trim you want, it’s very hard to beat with a 2018 model. The new features, new interior, and improved driving experience is outstanding. Plus you’ll get the benefit of the epic 10-year powertrain warranty. At the same time, the used Hyundai Santa Fe is still a killer deal at the right price with the right mileage.
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